Shelley’s research focuses on the spatiotemporal dynamics of how disturbances, like wildfires or insect outbreaks, shape species composition and connectivity in forests. In particular, Shelley uses landscape modelling approaches to design and simulate forest management plans that can improve resilience against climate change and extreme disturbances, while maintaining networks of functional traits among trees. Ultimately, Shelley aims to provide a better understanding of how we can manage forests to preserve their ecological integrity as well as support our socioeconomic needs.

Shelley obtained her BSc in Applied Biology from the University of British Columbia, where she first began her research journey investigating the effects of climate change on forest pest invasions. After exploring other research subjects ranging from honeybees to song sparrows, Shelley returned to studying the forest ecosystem as an MSc student at the University of Toronto, where she specialized in the impacts of disturbances on tree range shifts. Now, as a PhD student under Prof. Marie-Josée Fortin and Prof. Charles Nock, Shelley is excited to be a part of the DIVERSE project to help advance forest research and management in a rapidly changing world.